The Minister of Defence, Maj Gen Bashir Salihi Magashi (Rtd), has charged personnel of the Nigerian Navy (NN) to sustain the fighting tempo against oil thieves.
He also charged the officers to steer clear of partisan politics that could dent the image of the armed forces.
Magashi stated this in Abuja during the weekend when he inaugurated an ultramodern naval headquarters extension complex.
He said, “I am glad to note some of the achievements, particularly in the fight against crude oil theft, which has led to an increase in the nation’s oil production in November, 2022, as reported by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
“Also commendable is the Nigerian Navy’s unrelenting efforts in collaborating with neighbouring countries for the successful transfer of MT HEROIC IDUN on November 12, 2022, from Equatorial Guinea which earlier resisted arrest from a Nigerian Navy ship on August 8, 2022.
“Furthermore, contributions of the Nigerian Navy towards the fight against insurgency in parts of the country are equally appreciated. I, therefore, urge the Nigerian Navy to sustain these achievements in support of national security for the economic prosperity of our nation.”
Speaking on the complex, the minister lauded the navy for the completion of the building, stressing that, “The provision of a befitting office complex is to enhance productivity and coordination of activities in the field.”
The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, noted that the complex would ameliorate the challenges of office accommodation for personnel.
